MySpace
myspace music my music  featured playlists  top artists  music videos  karaoke  shows  forums 



blogs.myspace.com/gordonroque
MySpace.com | rss | sign in
Gordon Roqué



Last Updated: 11/22/2009

Send Message
Instant Message
Email to a Friend
Subscribe

Status: Single
City: Nashville
State: Tennessee
Country: US
Signup Date: 6/28/2006

Who Gives Kudos:

PSBChris (2)
October 3, 2008 - Friday 

Current mood:  contemplative
Category: Art and Photography

October 2008 Artist of the Month:  Aaron Kraten






I love Aaron Kraten's work.  That's all there is to it.  This is most likely why he is my featured visual artist for the month of October.

I can think of several adjectives to describe his paintings, and here are a few .  .  .

moody
vibrant
striking
haunting
provocative
emotional
forlorn
rich
eloquent

These are just a few that come to mind.  I first came across his work a couple of years ago when he requested to be my friend on myspace.  I remember thinking that I hadn't seen work quite like his before.  

Based out of Costa Mesa, CA, Kraten creates a world in which people are expressive even without eyes and faces.  He evokes moods with sharp angles, strong flashes of color, geometric patterns, and textured brush strokes. 

There is a loneliness to much of his work that I have always been drawn to.  He has a masterful sense of color and space that works perfectly well within the context of his subject matter. 

He clearly has his own perspective and is not shy about sharing it.

I can go on and on about how I love what he does, but I know that his work speaks for itself. 

Aaron was kind enough to make room in his busy schedule to answer my profile questions.  He also gave me permission to display samples of his work.  I am truly grateful for this.

You can view many more amazing original works and even purchase a few by visiting his official website:

http://www.AaronKratenArt.com

By all means, befriend him on myspace:

http://www.myspace.com/aaronkraten


Now, without further gushing, here is my exclusive interview with the talented Mr. Aaron Kraten .  .  .  .

(Click on the images to go directly to Aaron Kraten's Website!)

1. What, if you can recall, first inspired you to do visual art?

I always liked drawing and reading comic books and watching cartoons, so i would say that was the very start.

Photobucket


2. What is the toughest part about working independently as a visual artist?

I would say the hardest part seems to be being able to meet the demand for the work, there are only so many shows you can do in a year, so it is a balancing act getting work ready for all the shows.
this is also one of the best parts about being a full time painter, some of my best work has come out as a result of this urgency.


Photobucket

3. What artists have you looked up to and inspired you to pursue this craft?

Jack Kerby, Jim Steranko, Masamune Shirow , motherwell


Photobucket


4. What would you say are the predominant themes in much of your work?

people and environment also technology

Photobucket


5. In your entire body of work, are there maybe one or two pieces that you would consider your own personal masterpieces, or at the very least, among your most prized possessions?

I like all my work for different reasons but there are a few that i currently own because they remind me of a different time in my life, one is called Aeroplane and this painting reminds me of when i was traveling alot,
the another one is Vespa 125 cause for a long time I had a vespa and loved to ride.

Photobucket


6. I often wonder about the kind of workspace most artists prefer. Some really value a quiet and secluded setting while others pretty much don't mind any kind of location. What do you generally prefer and utilize?

I have always painted out of my living space and that works fine for me.  I dig not having to drive to a location to work.


Photobucket


7. If you could advise a fellow artist who is just starting out on the best way to get their name and work publicized and known, what would you tell him/her?

What I started with was a bio and picks of my current work, I started sending art packets with these materials to gallery to get shows.
then just start showing the work.
there are also great avenues on the internet to show your work too like Flikr and Devient art, Myspace Etc.


Photobucket


8. As an artist, receiving criticism of any kind can be a delicate affair. How do you approach the criticism others may give of your work?

 I think people love and hate all things, if you believe in your art than that's all that matters. Art is about what comes out of you and if people connect with it then great and if some people don't get it that's cool too.

Photobucket


9. In terms of your art, why do you do what you do?

I paint because I am driven to, when I would work at other jobs I would always doodle in my free time, this is the career I am meant to do.

Photobucket


10. Are there any future projects and new things coming up for you on the horizon?

I have a group show at the black maria gallery 3137 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039 September 27th to October 18th, 2008.

I also have a solo show in Costa mesa at The living room 125 Rochester Streetb Costa Mesa, CA 92627b-- October 11th opening reception 6pm - 10 pm



Photobucket

I hope you enjoyed this profile. 

Special thanks, again, to Aaron Kraten for agreeing to do this. 

Please feel free to visit his website and purchase his work.

Thank you all for reading this, and stay tuned for another wonderful artist profile next month!!!

-gordon 


Currently listening:
OK Computer
By Radiohead
Release date: 1997-07-01
9:43 AM
 
Print
Previous Post: Official Announcement: CD Release Show at 3rd and Lindsley on Nov. 24 | Back to Blog List | Next Post: Song Profile: The Story behind "Shadows Dance"